"To sanction two dozen individuals in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is the diplomatic equivalent of double-secret probation in Animal House—a response that mostly just makes those imposing it feel good."

"For many countries, the principle of leaving no man or woman behind is sacred. But these transactions are problematic. As with the law of supply and demand, when a country pays for captives, it’s likely to encourage more kidnappings. Just ask Israel."

We were very pleased to host Walter Russell Mead of The American Interest at a Hamilton Society event last Thursday evening. Mead spoke to our DC Professional Chapter over dinner, recommending a list of good resources for thinking well about the interplay of history and contemporary politics:

"Obama is one of our smartest presidents so he must know how badly things are going. But he is also one of our most arrogant presidents so it will be especially hard for him to admit that what he’s done before simply isn’t working."